Barack Obama Makes History as the 44th U.S. President
Todd Ellertson president of the United States this address. hours to catch even a distant in the U.S. He characterized his
Honduras This Week past Tuesday. "Our time of standing Poised on the steps of the U.S. glimpse of the new president. swearing-in "as a moment that
pat, of protecting narrow interests Capitol in Washington, D.C., the Obama, the son of a Kenyan will define a generation." The 47-
More than 1 million cheering and putting off unpleasant decisions masses spread out before him on father and a white mother from year old was raised by mostly by
Americans witnessed Barack that time has surely passed," the National Mall, many staking Kansas, made history as the first his single mother has now risen to
Obama being sworn in as the 44th Obama said during his inaugural their claim in the early morning African-American president elected OBAMA cont on page 5

7- SATURDAY, JANUARY 24, 2009 1

VOL. 22, No. 02 (1044) Tegucigalpa

2 Saturday, January 24, 2009

EDITORIAL

YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW

OPINION

A Call to War

Are you tired of violence, lack
of values and how difficult it is just
to get by these days? Well there
is good news, we have to enlist in
the army, there's a call for war.
The soldiers must wake up and get
ready for the battle.
The battle goes on every day
we can't put our guard down. This
fight is against discouragement and
a culture of death. We are continu-
ously bombarded with bad news.
Each person, each country has their
own characteristics, their strengths
and also their own resources.
As Hondurans, we have to
confront one of the most degrading
circumstances: poverty. Statistics
on indicators of human develop-
ment need to be transformed. It
is necessary that we are educated
with the knowledge that frees us
and allows us to make decisions to
impact change.
Let's be conscious of how valu-
able life is. Quality of life depends
directly on the decisions we make.
Look around; you are not alone, you
belong to a society. Get involved
with your neighbors, be aware of

the problematic insecurity; indiffer-
ence and lack of communication are
cruel allies of all kinds of harm.
Where are the true leaders?
We are sure they do not belong to
any political party, labor unions,
or magisterial associations. Their
flags are not working out well; their
colors are not giving life, these have
brought an environment of contro-
versy and division.
We believe the flag of Honduras
has a clear and beautiful message
for all: the blue is the sky and the
ocean that surrounds this immortal
land in white; and the five stars
represent Central America; the
central star is us, symbolizing our
geographic location and for the
Honduran genius that once dared
to dream of a splendid homeland.
When we contemplate the
beauty of our national anthem,
specifically the sixth verse, we
reflect on the black, injured bird
that lost its way, behind the top
of the hills and on it free us from
slavery. These are battles without
end, while our hearts beat there
will always be a call for war.

Member of the Inter-American Press Association
All original articles and photographs published in Honduras This Week are protected by international copyright
law. Reproduction, in whole or in part, without priorwritten permission, is strictly prohibited.
Col Payaqui Frente al Instituto San Miguel #7 Casa 3644 P.O. Box 1323, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Telephones (504) 239-3654, 239-0285 Fax (504) 232-2300 hontweek@multidata.hn
Printed byTalleres de Impresi6n de PUBLYNSA, Honduras

LETTERS

Dear HTW:

Todd Ellertson wrote an article
a while ago on the hazardous traffic
conditions of Honduras, which
resulted in arrogant, uncalled for
remarks from American do-gooders
who do more harm than good.
Today, traffic conditions are
worse, due to the blatant disregard
for the law. We cannot place all of
the blame on drivers. Most of the
blame falls upon the government
that legislates but fails to follow-up
with enforcement. Police officers
stand on street corners ignoring
one violation after another. Taxis
and ordinary drivers, bicyclists
and pedestrians cross against
traffic lights. There are no police

riding patrol on the highways.
These consistent violators run stop
signs and drive the wrong way on
one-way streets, police officers
included.
Major faults of government
enforcement are: A person does
not have to know how to drive
to obtain a driver's license: there
are no written tests nor driving
tests to obtain a license, there are
no mandatory nor defensive driv-
er's training facilities available,
no police patrols on city streets or
highways, and no book of traffic
laws to educate the driver prior to
a written and driving test.
Th recent Amarateca acci-
dent explains the ignorance and
stupidity of drivers that think they

Notice to our Valued Readers:

We want to wish you a Happy

and Prosperous 2009!

In an effort to improve the quality of the paper,
we will now be printing twice a month.

Subscribers will receive a notice in our next edi-
tion
as to when subscriptions expire, since these have
been paid for on a 4-edition-per-month basis.

Please call 232-2300 and ask for
Andrea or Rosibel if you have questions.

From all of us here at'
Honduras This Week,
I =rV = =IAIMrIC ata-vnml

own the road. I experience and
observe such actions daily, yet
when they cause an accident, they
deny any wrong doing on their
part.
I carry a camera to record acci-
dent scenes. One picture is worth a
thousand words.
As a retired officer, I have tick-
eted bicyclists as well as motor
vehicle drivers because they are
subjected to the laws of the road
as well and it just may save their
lives. Citation, citation, citation is
the only way to educate delinquent
drivers.

Jorge J. Cota
Siguatepeque
via Email

Letters to the

Editor Policy

All letters should be no more than
300 words in length, and should
include the writer's name, ad-
dress and phone number. We will
not publish street address, e-mail
address or phone number unless
specifically requested. All letters
become property of Honduras This
Weekand are subjectto editing for
length, content, grammar, punc-
tuation, etc.You can send us letters
to the editor via email: hontweek-
prensa@multidata.hn or mail your
letter to:

Wood shavings fly as Sergio
Sanchez chisels away at a mahogany
chest. For 10 years, this native of
Valle de Angeles has been honing
his craft, perfecting the techniques
for which Honduran woodcarvers
are well-known. The sharp crack of
his hammer draws curious visitors
into the workshop, where Sergio
will spend a week or more carving
the most intricate of details before
the chest is sanded, stained and
displayed for sale at the souvenir
shop out front.
Handicrafts like Sergio's are a
major draw in Valle de Angeles
(Valley of Angels), a picturesque
mining town tucked into the pine-
forested mountains about 30 kilo-
meters northeast of Tegucigalpa.
But so is the town itself. Much of
it has been restored to its original
16th century appearance, right
down to the red-tiled roofs, lanterns
and narrow, cobblestoned streets.
Thousands of people visit every
year, drawn by the Spanish colo-
nial atmosphere, leisurely pace and
fresh mountain air. It's a welcome
escape from the smog of the capital,
and on weekends the streets are
filled with foreign tourists and resi-
dents of Tegucigalpa alike.

"People used to come here for
day trips, to have a little lunch and
do some -1,..!. !;1,=." explains James
Lee, the owner of Villas del Valle,
"but more and more people are
coming for the entire weekend."
They come for the handicrafts
and the history. Valle de Angeles
is a shopper's dream, with artisan
boutiques on just about every block.
Visitors can choose from the best
Honduras has to offer, including
hand-carved wooden chests, clay
pottery, baskets, hammocks,
jewelry and paintings.
They do so in the shadow of the
town's centerpiece, the old iglesia
or church. It's one of the first sights
visitors see when they enter town.
Even though the church was rebuilt
and modernized in the 19th century,
it still retains its original, rustic
charm.
The church towers over the
central park, where people amble
along the shady paths and gather
in small groups around a painted
fountain. On weekends, music
blares from the bandstand, often
leading to spontaneous dancing by
young and old alike. The streets
surrounding the park are closed
to traffic, offering easy access to
the art galleries, restaurants and
souvenir shops nearby.
Inside one of those shops,
Arte Piel, the shelves are lined

with handcrafted leather goods
in a range of colors and finishes.
Through a door to the back, visi-
tors can watch the artisans at
work, tracing patterns on leather,
cutting out the pieces, stitching
them together at a sewing machine
and polishing and buffing the final

product.
The owner of the shop, Ruben
Gonzalez, has been handcrafting
leather for 15 years.
He works alongside six
employees, crafting everything
from handbags and wallets to
belts and briefcases. Gonzalez says

de Angeles
business is good, but he's noticed
a drop in the number of tourists
- and the amount they're spending
- since September, when the global
economic crisis began.
Another cause for concern
among business owners in Valle
de Angeles is the recent increase
in Honduras' minimum wage. The
60 per cent hike could be a double
whammy for this tourist zone.
Higher wages mean increased
operating costs for businesses.
That prospect is already prompting
companies across the country to lay
off workers, meaning Hondurans
may have less to spend on trips to
Valle de Angeles.
"That may have an impact," said
James Lee, "but we're just begin-
ning the New Year so we don't
know for sure yet."
For now though, it's hard to
imagine anything taking away
this beautiful Spanish town. The
ladies flip pupusas as fast as they
can on the grills outside Virginia's
Pupusas. The chorizo and carnitas
sizzle, luring hungry customers
with their mouth-watering aroma.
At Restaurant Manolo the tables
are filled with patrons, enjoying
plato tipico and a refreshing drink.
The visitors are smiling and
most importantly, they're already
making plans to return.

Birds on the Side
In the works of an Arab mathematician from the XI century, we
find the following problem: two palms trees grow on both sides of a
river, one across from the other. One is 30 cubits tall, the other one
20 cubits tall. The distance between both trees is 50 cubits. At the op
of each palm tree there is a bird. Suddenly, both birds spot a fish on
the river's surface, between both palm trees. The birds swooped and
arrived to the fish at the same time. At what distance from the taller
palm tree did the fish appear?

Answer to Problem No. 27

Let n be the number of students. We can suppose that the total
score was 100 points. With 5 students, you obtain a pointage of 450.
The points of one third of the rest of the class would be:

Honduras played Chile on Jan.
18, in a "international friendly" a
warm-up soccer game as part of
the next phase of World Cup quali-
fiers. Ex-captain substitute Carlos
Pavon and Captain Amado Guevara
scored late in the second half to
give Honduras a 2-0 win over Chile.
Pavon kicked a shot past Chile
goalkeeper Miguel Pinto in the
77th minute to give Honduras a 1-0
lead before Amado Guevara trans-
formed a penalty for Honduras 10
minutes before the final.
Chile played with 10 men for the
final 55 minutes. Jose Fuenzalida
received a red card for a hard
tackle on Martinez in the 1st half.
Fuenzalida had played for just
three minutes before being sent

off after coming on to replace Luis
Figueroa
Honduras has reached the final
phase of CONCACAF qualifying
play and will face Costa Rica on
Feb. 11. Chile, currently tied for
third with Argentina in South
American qualifying, plays Peru on
March 28.

Wilson Palacios in England

Tottenham has agreed with
Wigan over the reassignment of
Palacios, a deal estimated to be
worth nearly $20 million.
The 24-year-old is considered an
important part of the Wigan team
after joining the club 12 months
ago.
A statement on the Spurs' offi-
cial website confirmed that: "We
are delighted to announce that we

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have reached an agreement for the
transfer of Wilson Palacios from
Wigan."
Wigan Coach Steve Bruce feels
Palacios has the ability to become
one of the best midfielders in the
Premier League of England and did
all he could to convince the Central
American to stay. Wigan will now
have only one Honduran player,
Maynor Figueroa, who scored his
first goal 2 weeks ago. Wigan is
expecting to sign Hendry Thomas
next season, another standout from
Honduras.

Central American CUP

Honduras is hosting the 2009
UNCAF Tournament with seven
Central American countries partici-
pating. The tournament will divide
teams into 2 groups. One group
will include Honduras, Belize,
Nicaragua and El Salvador. The
other Panama, Costa Rica and
Guatemala. One team could be
eliminated by only playing 2 games
in this highly-anticipated tourna-
ment. Honduras will have played
their first match against Belize on
January at 22.

AP
Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th U.S. president on the front steps of the capital building.

OBAMA: First African-American president

sworn in
con't from page 1
the most powerful position in the
world.
Expectations are running
high as seemingly insurmount-
able obstacles lie ahead. The U.S.
economy lies in ruins and two wars
are being fought abroad. Obama's
campaign cornerstone was based
on hope and change. "Now there
are some who question the scale
of our ambitions, who suggest that
our system cannot tolerate too
many big plans," he said. "Their
memories are short. For they have
forgotten what this country has
already done; what free men and
women can achieve when imagina-
tion is joined to common purpose,
and necessity to courage."
People from all over the world
watched the teeming masses wave
American flags and take in the
historic event. Jumbo screens in
both Harlem and Times Square in
New York City drew thousands.
Across the country, in gyms,
churches, schools and college
campuses, viewers in massive
numbers tuned in. Luminaries

that included Oprah Winfrey and
Steven Spielberg were also in
attendance.
Obama, new first lady Michelle
and their daughters Sasha and
Malia began Inauguration Day in
church and followed the swearing-
in at the White House where they
shared coffee with the Bushes.
Then it was on to a luncheon at
the Capitol where the new presi-
dent was toasted by members of
Congress.
The inaugural parade, in which
the first couple was driven in an
armored Cadillac limousine, again
drew thousands who watched
Barack and Michelle briefly step
out of the limo to walk hand in
hand on the parade route. Security
and Secret Service were out in full
force on the chilly January day.
After whirlwind appearances at
no less than 10 inaugural balls, one
of which included performances by
Beyonce, Stevie Wonder and Faith
Hill, President Obama woke up on
Wednesday morning to begin work
on the daunting task of governing.

Located right on the Caribbean Ocean, in the charm port of La Ceiba, Honduras.
Central America. The Hotel and Conventron Center Ouinta Real was designed
to offer all the comfort which will make your stay as pleasant as you deserve.

We invite you to share with us those unforgettable days at our city, which is well
known as "The Bride of Honduras" due to its friendly and easy going nice atmosphere.

Art by Honduran Artist Exhibited in the European Union
Federi _co Rosa hi W
Special to Honduras This Week

We may take Fancy for a
companion, but must take Reason
as our Guide.
-Dr Samuel Johnson

There are no facts, only inter-
pretations.
-Friedrich Nietzsche

Let us not forget that we are all
a nation of immigrants.
-Thomas Jefferson

On the day of my flight to
Brussels, I felt no anxiety. It was
my first professional art exhibi-
tion overseas (I stress the term
'professional', because I have
participated in several art exhibi-
tions overseas, but most of them
were in art school) and therefore
not a thing to be taken lightly. An
artist's first individual exhibition
(or "solo show"), post-art school,
at a recognized exhibition space, is
usually regarded as an immensely
important, career changing experi-
ence. I got on the plane with airy,
exciting thoughts of Europe. I
reached 38,000 feet and reclined
on my chair, amusedly reading my
paperback.
What I had in mind for this
exhibition was to present visual
art that has an argument, proposi-
tion, and conclusion; utilize logic
in order to make a direct impact
on a foreign social conscience
through the unlikely, yet extremely
powerful, medium of visual art.
We must remember, when making
aesthetic value judgments, that is,
deciding whether or not an artwork
has or lacks merit that we must do
so while referring directly to the
object in question. Aesthetic judg-
ments should not be formulated
by anything else but the artwork
itself; so I will try to explain some
of the ideas about what informed
the works, but unfortunately for
the absentees, the best judgments
are made when facing the object.
The exhibition was to be held
in Brussels, at the Berlaymont

building of the European Union,
all throughout the month of
October 2008. Its conceptual
subject matter was illegal immi-
gration; the tortuous odyssey
through which starving, desperate
Latin Americans go through year
after year, sacrificing life and limb,
for a tautological chance to get a
chance at a better life in the U.S.
The objective was to try to make
a political statement based on, not
pretending to own, others' tragic
experiences and utilize them for
subject matter in order to draw
attention, not shock. The suffering
of illegal immigrants is unique in its
tragedy, and one cannot deny feel-
ings of empathy for another human
being's misfortunes.
For instance, as I write this
there is a circus, literally, in front
of Casa Presidencial, the head-
quarters of the Honduran govern-
ment. Unintentional irony? It is not
hard, while picturing this scene,
to imagine why citizens flee to
potentially hostile, faraway lands,
enduring all sorts of hardships and
threats, not least of all death; since
a circus leads or at least supports
the government's ideals.
The necessity to create a series
of art works which reflected upon
these kinds of situations became
necessary, as a way to under-

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For reservations in Honduras please call (504)445-4213/0256
To make reservation while in the M5 please call 804-271-4974 (Voice Mali)
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The exhibit in Brussels showed art with immigration as its theme.

stand and analyze the root causes
of illegal immigration: extreme
poverty, deficient welfare, crimi-
nality, lack of education. The inten-
tion to perform, rather than simply
show a series of works of art to be
felt instead of contemplated, was
so as to confront the viewer and
establish a dialogue. Immigration,
border control, and foreign policy
are hardly news, but we often
ignore and even forget that human
lives are lost every year in pursuit
of a so-called dream whose value is
more ambiguous than ever.
"The Outsider," by Albert
Camus, is a modern classic of exis-
tentialist literature, in which an
individual is challenged with the
absurd. It is this notion, of the
individual faced with the absurd,
which was the language of the
artworks inside the Berlaymont.
The paintings served as an analogy
for immigrants: uncomfortable,
strange, difficult, and faced with
absurd circumstances. That is the
reason why the paintings had no
stretchers, the edges were torn,
and appeared weather worn and
tattered.
They are foreign bodies; alien
to both you and I, on the bound-
aries of our perception, like many
illegal immigrants. The artworks
were not trying to be objects of

beauty or to fit reasonably inside
the space: they were invading it,
literally difficult to place and hang.
They were impolite, different,
and thus behave differently. They
arrived alone rolled up on top of
each other, with no stretchers
awaiting them, without any frames
to decorate them upon their arrival.
Sometimes, being different equals
being obtuse, but it is often the
best way to confront someone with
an argument involving a complex
topic.
The art of politics, for me, has
to be as foul as the ghetto, as claus-
trophobic as a truck full of immi-
grants, as unforgettable as a glue-
sniffing, barefoot child, as violent
as a slaughterhouse, as indelible as
blood that spills daily. The photo-
graphs exhibited were snapshots
of nightmares, fit together like a
string of awful bits of memories,
and the paintings like the remains
of human bodies, a leathery mesh
covered with dirt, soot, blood, and
sweat.
Alexis de Tocqueville said: "The
happy and the powerful do not go
into exile." It was this, precisely,
what the paintings and photographs
reminded us of, staring back from
the abyss of exodus.
After the exhibition I did not
expect much to change in my life.

(That would have been arrogant
and self-centered). However, the
last thing I expected was nega-
tive gossip and slander about the
exhibition. Instead of looking at the
positive ramifications, a random
Spaniard began publishing a series
of internet articles degrading our
work (mine and the Honduran
Embassy's), making preposterous
claims, based on circumstances and
coincidences, that the exhibition
was a political fraud, and a product
of nepotism and influence.
What disappointed me most
was that the people who should
have defended and supported
me, Honduran colleagues and
peers, were the ones involved in
propagating this slander, trying to
'expose' my so-called 'elite' status
in Honduras as an excuse to deni-
grate my capabilities as an artist,
as if social class denotes an artist's
quality.
It is ironic, because it was in
Tegucigalpa that I truly experi-
enced exile. The "mojados" predic-
ament is much more tragic, obvi-
ously, but perhaps, exile is also a
state of being; a psychological as
well as a spiritual misfit that
reminds us of the absurd circum-
stances we encounter daily. Maybe
we all are exiles in one way or
another.

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Workers frustrated with the
ramifications of the recent minimum
wage increase took to the streets
recently to make their voices heard.
On January 15, hundreds
of teachers, farmers, nurses and
other workers marched through
the streets of San Pedro Sula,
Tegucigalpa and La Ceiba to put
pressure on the government and
businesses of Honduras.
They continue to wait for a
response that will make them
happy.
Wendy Figueroa, a public school
teacher in La Ceiba, was among
the marchers. Figueroa said that
she taught for five months but was
only paid for two. She said other
teachers have it even worse. "Many
teachers haven't been paid since
last February or May," Figueroa
said. "The government doesn't want
to pay."
She said that she and the other
teachers involved in the march
expect the government to pay them
the money they're owed. "If the
government doesn't pay, teachers
won't work," Figueroa said. One
can only imagine the impact this
would have on Honduras' already
suffering public school system.
However, teachers weren't the
only participants in the march.
Everyone involved had the same

Emily Moberly/HondurasThis Week

Teachers took to the streets of La Ceiba (among other cities) to protest non-payment of salaries.

complaint: "If we can't work we
can't pay our living expenses." "We
need to work," Figueroa said.
She said that the march had
several goals in addition to wanting
payment for teachers. She said that
marchers hoped to put pressure on
the government to reduce general

costs of living including transporta-
tion and food costs as well as put
pressure on the government and
businesses to respect the new law
and use it to better Honduras, not
to make the country poorer.
Juan Melendez, also a teacher in
La Ceiba, said he thought the new

minimum wage was a good thing.
"Right now the salary is perfect,"
Melendez said. "It used to be too
little." However, Melendez said
that although the new law was
intended to bring the country a
little further out of poverty, it is
only making life more difficult for

people.
Many march participants have
lost their jobs as a result of the
new wage. The new wage, which
increased minimum salaries from
3,400 lempiras to 5,500 lempiras
in urban areas and 4,055 lempiras
in rural areas, went into effect
January 1.
Within the first week of January,
700 people were fired, according to
the Ministry of Labor.
While trade unions rejoiced
at the news, businesses were
outraged. Businesses complain
that they can't pay the new wage
without firing workers.
A December 24, 2008 article in
'La Prensa' said that the govern-
ment increased the minimum wage
after it failed to bring about an
agreement between workers and
business, as stipulated by the coun-
try's labor laws.
President Mel Zelaya was
quoted saying that the minimum
wage increase "will force the busi-
ness oligarchy to start paying what
is fair."
Honduras is one of the poorest
countries in Latin America, with
a poverty rate of 70 percent,
according to the Inter-American
Development Bank (IDB). The
2009 Index of Economic Freedom
lists Honduras is one of Central
America's poorest countries; two-
thirds of its people live below the
poverty line, and unemployment is
about 28 percent.

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YOUR CENTRAL AMERICAN WEEKLY REVIEW

ARTS

& CULTURE

Barack Obama:

The Man and His Program

Book Reviews: "Dreams from
My Father" and "The Audacity
of Hope"

Patrick Ahern
Honduras This Week

Having listened to Obama's
eloquent speeches, his well-written
books should have come as no
surprise. "Dreams of My Father"
was written before he achieved
major prominence. It gives some
very helpful insights into what
shaped him into the impressive
person and politician he is today, as
he was just recently sworn in as the
44th U.S. president.
Born in the melting pot of
Hawaii to a man from the Luo tribe
of Kenya and a white woman (Ann
Dunham) from Kansas, Barack
Obama could have become a bitter
and confused man of mixed race
instead of the self confident and
tolerant person who changed
history by becoming the first
African American U.S. president.
Barack's father (same name) left
the family when young "Barry"
(his childhood name) was only two
years old and his mother re-married
an Indonesian. Barack lived for
several years with his mother and
stepfather in Indonesia where he
attended a local school. When he
was in the fifth grade he went back
to Hawaii to live with his maternal
grandparents and attend the pres-
tigious Punahou Academy, founded
by missionaries to Hawaii in 1841.
Given his absent father, Obama
was raised by his white grand-
parents and mother from age two
until graduating high school. There
were only three black students at
the Hawaiian school. Yet Barack
cultivated his black identity by
reading Baldwin, Ellison, Hughes,
Wright, DuBois, Malcom X and
befriending black kids who were

in Hawaii with their parents in the
military. At Occidental University
in Los Angeles and then Columbia
University in New York City,
Barack continued searching for
his racial and political identity...
"To avoid being mistaken for a
sellout, I chose my friends carefully.
The more politically active black
students. The foreign students. The
Chicanos. The Marxist professors,
and structural feminists and punk
rock performance poets. ..... At
night, in the dorms, we discussed
neocolonialism, Franz Fanon,
Eurocentrism, and patriarchy."
(A stark difference from George
Bush's college years, perhaps?)
Although he worked at an
economic consulting firm to multi-
national corporations after gradu-
ating from Columbia, Barack soon
opted to work as a community orga-
nizer on the south side of Chicago.
The work entailed long hours, little
pay and slow progress. Chicago's
south side had lost most of its heavy
industry and was a depressed area
complete with boarded up houses,
dilapidated high rise public housing
projects, drugs and despair.
But Obama learned from the
"black folks at the grass roots,"
single mothers, laid off factory
workers, teachers, and church
leaders. He helped build a coali-
tion and community organization
to push for jobs, better schools
and for the city to pay attention to
problems of the neighborhoods--
-from filling pot holes, to commu-
nity policing to small business loans
for struggling black entrepreneurs.
Hopefully Obama will always carry
this three year experience with him
and encourage development from
the bottom up.
In the interim, between orga-
nizing and going to Harvard Law
School, Obama finally "went back"
to Africa to meet his father's side of
the family. His father had died in a

car accident in Kenya several years
earlier. He spent several months
meeting half brothers, sisters,
aunts, uncles and his paternal
grandmother. His reflections are
thoughtful and one can feel the pain
as he searches to understand his
father whom he only remembered
from his one visit back to Hawaii
when Barack was ten years old.
His father was sent to study in
Hawaii just before independence
and was one of the first Kenyans
to receive his PhD from a western
university (Harvard). Despite his
brilliance he was marginalized
from power because of his abrupt
manner, his willingness to criticize
the newly independent government
and because of his tribe (Obama
was Luo and President Kenyatta
was Kikuyo). The senior Obama
died a disappointed and bitter alco-
holic.
At the end of Obama's extended

stay in Kenya, he writes about
crying at the graves of his grandfa-
ther (Hussein Onyango) and father.
"When my tears were finally spent,
I felt a calmness wash over me. I
felt the circle finally close. I real-
ized that who I was, what I cared
about, was no longer just a matter
of intellect or obligation, no longer
a construct of words. I saw that
my life in America---the black life,
the white life, the sense of aban-
donment I'd felt as a boy, the frus-
tration and hope I'd witnessed in
Chicago---all of it was connected
with a small plot of earth an ocean
away (in Kenya), connected by
more than the accident of a name or
the color of my skin. The pain I felt
was my father's pain. My questions
were my brothers' questions. Their
struggle, my birthright."
Barack Obama was 34 years old
when he wrote this book. A lot has
happened in the ensuing thirteen

years (to say the least!). Obama
became the first black editor of the
Harvard Law Review and then
joined a Chicago law firm where his
boss was his future wife, Michelle.
He practiced civil rights law and
also taught at the University of
Chicago Law School. In 1996 he
was elected to the Illinois State
Senate representing the Hyde Park
area of the south side of Chicago.
In the summer of 2004 he was
asked by then presidential nominee
John Kerry to deliver the key note
address at the Democratic National
Convention. His electrifying speech
literally catapulted him onto the
national stage. In November 2004
he was elected to the U.S. Senate
from Illinois. He announced his
candidacy for the Democratic nomi-
nation for president in February
2007 and at the time few felt he
could beat Senator Hillary Clinton.
The rest is history, as they say.
Obama's 2006, "The Audacity
of Hope," is a remarkable book in
that it shows that he has been quite
consistent in the broad outlines
of his "program for America." So
many themes of the book were
centerpieces of his campaign and
in the debates with Republican
rival John McCain. Many of the
chapter headings are what seemed
to inspire the voting public: Values,
Our Constitution, Opportunity,
Faith, Race, The World Beyond
our Borders, and Family. The ideas
inspire a hope that the nightmares
of the Bush administration----wars,
torture, environmental neglect, and
economic ruin---will give way to
loftier ideals applied pragmatically.
Expectations for the Obama
presidency are huge.
The problems facing him are
equally enormous. The world
economic crisis has riveted his
attention. Will this crisis not allow
his administration to adequately
follow through on his platform of
universal health care, tax relief
for the working class and educa-
tional opportunity for all? Will the
invasion of the Gaza Strip cause
even more turmoil in the Middle
East, hampering the withdrawal
from Iraq and Afghanistan and
the continued treatment of Latin
America as an afterthought?
We will have to wait, but this
young, 47-year old gives us great
reason to have the audacity to hope
that the U.S. will regain its integ-
rity at home and in the world at
large.

Emily Moberly
Honduras This Week
Children's laughter, a tiger's
growl, and the occasional crack of
a whip are a few of the sounds one
hears at the circus; stinky animals,
fresh straw and buttery popcorn
are a few of the smells.
But at the Renato Circus,
galloping camels, sparkling dancers
and flying trapeze artists are just a
few of the sights one will see.
The Renato Circus, which calls
Mexico home, arrived in La Ceiba

L I'-~:7a~r

the weekend of January 16. Javier
Sanchez, manager of marketing and
public relations for all circuses in
Honduras, said the circus will be
in La Ceiba until February before
moving on to Trujillo or Tocoa.
A family owned spectacle, the
Renato Circus is a single- ring
show with 20 performers including
jugglers, dancers, and even the
world's best clown, Renato himself.
Renato inherited the role
of circus ringleader from his
father, Renator, Sr. in 1975. Both
were born into the circus life and

Renato, the circus ringleader, commands attention in the center of the ring in between featured circus acts.

Emily Moberly/HondurasThis Week
The elephants are a big draw, capturing the attention of these youngsters.

zh .4j- SB

consider it their family. In fact,
many of the other performers are
family: Renato's wife and two sons
also perform in the show.
For some in the audience, this
was their first circus experience,
as was the case for friends Herman
Enrique, 12, and Heber Lopez, 11.
Both boys attended the 5 p.m. show
on Jan. 17 and said they were there
to see their favorite animals, the

elephant and tiger, in action.
Along with elephants and tigers,
the Renato Circus also has several
camels, a zebra, horses and a tiny
pony among other animals.
However, more amazing than
the animals' performance is the
circus' motorcycle act.
One, two and then three dirt
bikes are placed in a large metal
cage. The walls of the cage become

the road and audience members
watch with one eye shut as all three
bikes reach high speeds without
colliding.
Whether comical, scary or awe-
inspiring, the Renato Circus acts
create a magical atmosphere that
people of all ages will enjoy.
Performances are at 5 p.m. and
7 p.m. nightly; tickets costs 200, 300
and 400 lempiras each.

WOMEN IN THE ARTS Mujeres
en las Artes. One of the strongest
artistic movements in Tegucigalpa.
Mujeres en la Artes Leticia de Oyuela
constantly sponsors workshops,
exhibitions, conferences, art shows
and community events in the city.
For the complete schedule, log on
to www.muaartes.org.hn or contact
Veronica Romero at 222 3015 or
email to: mua@cablecolor.hn

LAS VEGAS ARRIVES IN
TEGUCIGALPA, WITH THE
PRESENTATION OF THE
SPECTACULAR TIHANY.Next to
Presidential House, Tegucigalpa.
From December 26. Tuesday-
Thursday: 7:30 pm. Saturday and
Friday: 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm,
Sunday: 12:00, 4:00 and 7:30 pm.
Tickets for sale at Multiplaza Mall,
MetroMall and at the circus from
11:00 am

SIXTH BIENNIAL OF VISUAL ARTS
OF THE CENTRAL AMERICAN
ISTHMUS 2008 BAVIC Illustration
of the Central American Isthmus.
Collection of 72 works of 36 artists
participants from Central America.
Location: chambers of the National
Museum for the Identity MIN,
Tegucigalpa. From November 21
thru February 20, 2009; 9:00 a, to
4:00 pm. Organized by Women in
the Arts (MUA) "Leticia de Oyuela"
www.bienalcentroamerica.com

"TRIBUTE TO THE WOMEN" A
PAINTING EXHIBITION.The Cultual
Center of San Pedro Sula (CCS)
The CCS informs that on Monday,
January 19 starts registering for
the painting exhibition "Tribute to
Women", to be held next January
28de in Gallery III of the center. The
exhibition is part of the tribute that
CCS will offer for four distinguished

STARTING CLASSES AT "DANZA
LIBRE" DANCING SCHOOL. The
"Danza Libre" school announces
the start of classes for the 2009.
"Reductive Dancing for Adults"
from January 12, and for children
starting on January 15, from 5:00
to 6:00 pm. For more information
phone to: 235 8175 / 206 9730,
2:00 thru 7:00 pm

MONTHLY CONVERSATORY AT
MUNOZ LOBO BOOKSHOP. The
Muroz Lobo bookstore and the edi-
torial group Satyagraha invite you
cordially to join us at the monthly
Conversatory, a free space cen-
ter, which takes place every first
Thursday of the month at Ave.
Cervantes, opposite to Museum
of Honduran Man in Tegucigalpa,
from: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

"FRENCH ALLIANCE CINEMA
CLUB. More information at www.
afhonduras.com or at 239-6165

A CONTINUOUS TRAINING
PROGRAM. The Chamber of
Commerce and Industry of
Tegucigalpa (CCIT) has a continu-
ous training plan for its members.
Contact: Fabiola Saenz: fsaenz@ccit.
hn

IBERO-AMERICAN HISTORIAN
FORUM. From 28 to 30 January,
2009, Copan Ruins in western
Honduras, will host an International
Forum of specialized historians. For
more information please contact:
culturaartesydeportes@yahoo.com.

HONDURAN BOOKS AT
GUAYMURAS EDITORIAL. New
webpage for Honduran books:
www.guaymuras.hn. Sections:
Who are we, New books, Honduran
authors, Other Honduran Editorials,
Month's book

DAY HIKES INTOTHE PICO BONITO
NATIONAL PARK AND THE LODGE
AT PICO BONITO. Includes a guid-
ed hike on the Lodge's natural trail
into the Pico Bonito National Park
with a stop at the Mermaid Falls
swimming hole (Hike can be made
at 8:00 am or 1:00 pm). Before or
after your hike enjoy a delicious
meal at the Lodge's restaurant and
explore the Butterfly Farm and
Serpentarium also located on the
Lodge's property (before or after
the hike). Price includes guide ser-
vice, lunch, and park entrance fee
paid to the Pico Bonito National
Park Foundation (Drinks not includ-
ed) Please call ahead to be sure
we have guides available. E-mail:
picobonito@caribe.hn,Tel. 504-440-
0388/0389/0468

SANTA MARIA DE LOS ANGELES
MUSEUM.This interesting museum
is open since October 2006. It is
located in the town of Valle the
Angeles. You will enjoy a great col-
lection of interesting objects, old
photos from 1800 1900, antiques
of history, art and culture. Visit us
at www.museosantamaria.com or
e-mail us to: santamariamuseo@
yahoo.com

When I opened my clinic in
Tegucigalpa eight years ago, I
had no idea what to call it. One of
the problems in Honduras is that
anyone who wants to put a sign
on his or her door saying "physical
therapy clinic" or "rehabilitation
clinic" can do just that, because
this is one of the few countries
where those professions aren't
protected by law. So, in talking
with friends, I decided, almost as a
joke, to put "Clinica de Fisioterapia
Professional so people would know
I was the 'real deal,' a physical ther-
apist, educated in Holland.
But now, after eight years,
I'd like to change that because I
want people to know what physical
therapy is and what it can do. So,
we've started advertising "Fysio
Total...more than just physical
therapy." I thought this was neces-
sary because of my experience with
patients and doctors over the past
eight years, and another 12 years in
this country working in rehabilita-
tion.
Unfortunately, there are a
number of medical doctors who
think they can do what I do, simply
because of the "M.D." behind their
names. Every week I get patients
who are messed up, because after
a perfectly performed surgery, the
doctor will say things like, "Just
put some ice on it in the evening
and you'll be okay" or "Just bend
and stretch your arm or knee a
couple of times a day and you'll
be fine." And every time I hear
this, I wonder what those doctors
think I studied all those years at
the university, or if they know the
classes I took in order to evaluate
and prescribe treatment plans
much more detailed than "put some
ice on it" or "stretch and bend."
I also got a postgraduate
degree in sports physical therapy,
a degree completely dedicated
to sport injuries and how to get

COMEDICA
CLUB

high performance athletes back in
shape after an injury or surgery
(which certainly won't happen
with prescriptions quite normal
in Honduras like, "an injection,
rest and ice"). I have combined
my training and education to create
a different way of approaching
the treatment of injuries and
have treated patients of all ages
and levels of athletic ability. The
results have been fantastic. I want
people to know that there is more
under the sun, even in Honduras,
than those kinds of prescriptions.
We have introduced what we call
"Fysio Total." This is a working
method only practiced in my clinic
- and with proven results. First,
understand that modern physical
therapy is more than an ice or hot
pack, massage, ultrasound, laser
or electrotherapy. Scientific proof
reveals these techniques alone
won't fully heal. Those means are
not to cure patients; they are used
only to prepare patients to "move."
That's what we've been doing for
years. That's why we work in a
medical gym, which, by the way,
isn't just putting exercise equip-
ment in a room and having your
patients use it. You'll need to study
to know which exercises are appro-
priate for which patients: how many
repetitions, what resistance, what
muscles to train, etc. And in order
to achieve the best results, years
ago, I bought my first Power Plate.
It's not just a vibration machine as
some people might think. Power
Plate is Acceleration Training,
which is used for high performance
athletes.
I have studied how any kind
of patient can benefit from Power
Plate and get positive results.
Next time you experience
muscle pain, a sports injury, back
pain, pain from arthritis, osteopo-
rosis or fibromyalgia or have had
surgery to correct a herniated disc,
a hip or knee replacement or knee
surgery, please remember that we
offer total treatment: Fysio Total...

FYSIO TOTAL.... More than just physi-

cal therapy!
more than just physical therapy.
And never let a doctor tell you
to "live with it," because I always
have to wonder if they say that
because they haven't a clue what to
do with you or how to diagnose you.
Take a chance and come to us we'll
be honest with you and if we cannot
help you, we'll tell you that.
Our mission is to get you in a
state of well-being.We'll teach you
things you can do at home, how
to prevent future pain or discom-
fort, and what exercises are best
for you. We'll do an assessment,
which includes your analyzing your
work environment, even your home
environment if you're interested
in that.
We'll get you back on your
feet that's our goal. Not just
pain free we'll get you back to
your daily activities, back to your
normal athletic performance level,
no matter if it's for fun, fitness
or at the professional level. Our
programs are like personal training:
45 minutes of one-on-one "Fysio
Total."
Please don't get the idea that
I don't respect medical doctors -
quite the opposite. I highly respect
those who practice within their
area of expertise and training and
let us do what will compliment
their efforts. Luckily, the doctors I
currently work with in Comayagua
have opened my eyes to how it
should be: a team working together
for the best of our patients. I
respect those who understand
that what we do in our clinic is the
right way to recover after surgery
or an injury. This is our specialty
and after personally working for
29 years in this field, continually
studying what has been scientifi-
cally proven to really work, I guess
that's not too much to ask. My
colleagues have been transformed
into "Total Fysio" therapists after
working closely with me for the
past five years.
I am confident we can do the
job better than anybody else and I
want everybody to know that when

you're searching for well being,
come see us and let us tell you what
we have in mind for your recovery
and optimum health.
We mean it when our ad states,
"Your best option in town." Please
spread the word like our patients

do and never forget our mission:
YOUR WELL BEING! And our
vision: MOVE.

Any comments or questions, I'd
love to hear from you -please write:
ivleest@yahoo.com.

Your best option in town for:
General physical therapy
Sports physical therapy
SAcceleration training on Power Plate
Personal Training

Inoaio 2

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Please allow us to wish you well
as you move into the White House.
Mr. President, we are all behind you
and feel very optimistic about your
plans to get things back on track.
God speed and please don't forget
our little democratic country just to
the south of you A great place to
unwind.

HE MADE-OFF WITH
THE MONEY

The investors should have known
by his name not to trust BURNie
MAD OFF with their hard-earned

239-6928

989-02858 988-99016

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Trapiche- For Lease -Brillant New House. Bethe
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the house and a large American style kitchen.
There are fabulous details throughout the
house which overlooks the main play area:
$380,000.

Global Contactos is a full Real Estate business
located in Honduras that provides professional
service and results that you expect We are
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savings. Doesn't it make you a little
more comfy to realize at least we
don't have any Ponzi schemers
crawling in and about our island?
Of course, the fact that generally
speaking, we islanders are not all
that flush with money to invest,
having to spend it all on day to day
expenses! On top of that we have
to guard our rears at all times.
We are even noticing low-end
pet food is vanishing off of the store
shelves in an unusually fast manner.
Those giving their pooches Pedigree
dog food for years are switching to
Doggie brand and guess what the
dogs are loving it. Just as long as
you hide the labels, they'll never
know the difference. In fact, this
writer once fed his doggies cat food,
and not one of them noticed. Excuse
me a moment my dog is meowing at
the door, there might be an intruder.
Of course, some are saying the pet
foods supplies are depleted because
folks are mixing them in with their
rice and beans. We hope things don't
really get that bad, but at least we
will have strong, clean teeth. We
need to hold on because the U.S.
economy is just now showing tiny
signs of recovery. Some optimistic
financial gurus are saying we have
bottomed out and we are now going
to slowly start the climb back to a
healthy economy. They say this is a
perfectly normal reaction to all the
indignities the big-time Wall Street
buzzards put the market through
and we just have to try harder and
things will spring back into shape. I
personally believe their theories and
feel that by June we will be swinging
and singing once more on our beau-
tiful Roatan.
The deals I am seeing and hearing
about make me think now is the time
to buy something here. I have seen

some beachfront lots selling for
about half of what they were selling
for a year ago. Call someone quick
and grab your chunk of sand!

CHAT GROUP THUNDER

The chat channels have been alive
with emotion as of late. The main
subject seems to be island security.
This has been a dormant issue for
years now and seems to be rearing
its ugly head once more. Of course,
those who have not been mugged or
burgled or had their flip-flops stolen
off of their porch will say, "Crime,
what crime?" But anyone involved
in a daylight home invasion or a late
moonlight beach mugging will not
agree. Not that I have heard of any
of those horrible crimes...but if.
Where are they always pointing
fingers? It seems, at the police
department, at the Fiscal Office,
the immigrants from the mainland
or from Guatemala or El Salvador.
Everyone agrees the crooks are NOT
FROM HERE. The local people are
still the honest, hard-working local
people and they are as troubled with
the invasion of immigrants from all
over the world.
There seem to be three major
schools of thought on how to control
the situation: one, being to once
again petition the government,
threaten the government by not
paying taxes or just watch a little
while longer while the government
kicks into action and protects their
cash-cow Roatan. The danger here
is that the cruise lines will not just
wait; they want positive action now
before an incident.
Another suggested cure is in the
hiring of private security forces.
This has been the norm for banks
and high end jewelry stores forever

in Honduras. Now, some West End
and West Bay businesses are setting
up their own defense systems to
combat guest harassment. This has
been tagged by a few as a terrible
thing leading to disaster, but we see
it as a simple form of self defense, a
deterrent and a good way to go.
The last approach circulating is
the ever present do-it-your-selfers.
They want to take the law into their
own hands and settle matters the
old fashioned way. Well, if we go this
way, we will automatically inherit
the dreaded vendetta or retalia-
tion affect that every policeman or
woman has to live with. You either
have to go full time cop or stay out
of the business, no half way wanna-
bes, it just does not work. How
hard would it be to try to build a
cement wall while looking over your
shoulder at every turn? How diffi-
cult to drive a taxi and suspect every
ride a potential family member of
someone you helped put away?
So, this leaves one: wait for
government, or two: put together a
private back-up security situation.
Perhaps using the tried and true
'neighborhood watch' method: neigh-
bors watch out for each other and
report everything and anything out
of the ordinary.
Bottom line, we choose to live
here. Let's help the community,
which translates to help the police
help us while we wait for election
time and help from the Honduran
government

ON A MUCH LIGHTER NOTE

A lady was picking through the
frozen turkeys at the Plaza Mar
Grocery Store, but she couldn't find
one big enough for her family. She
asked a beautiful stock girl, "Do
these turkeys get any bigger?" The
beautiful stock girl replied, "No
ma'am, they're dead."
In Tegucigalpa, right near
the 'Honduras This Week' office,
a truck driver was driving along
and noticed a sign that read: "Low
Bridge Ahead." Before he knew it,
the bridge is right in front of him
and his truck gets wedged under it.
Cars are backed up all the way to
the American Embassy, when finally

a police car comes up. The cop gets
out of his car and walks up to the
truck driver, puts his hands on his
hips and says, "Got stuck, huh?" The
truck driver says, "No hombre, I was
delivering this bridge and I ran out
of gas."

DO YOU KNOW THIS MAN?
A medium tall Gringo with dirty
blonde hair, a bandana around his
head, flip-flops and a filthy Chavez
Regal bag around his wrist entered
Banco Atlantida in Coxen Hole.
He stood in front of the security
camera and filled out a request for
withdrawal form, then got into the
shortest line. While standing there
he began to worry about the surveil-
lance camera, so he slipped out of
line and went back into the busy
street. He then walked to HSBC and
kept his head turned past the camera
and got into the shortest line there.
An hour and a half later he reached
a window and handed the clerk the
note he wrote earlier saying, "give
me all your money, I have a gun in
my Chavez Regal bag." The clerk
read the note and handed it back
to the man saying, it was no good
because it was written on a Banco
Altlantida form.
He scooped up his note and went
back to wait it out at Atlantida when
the police picked him up. If you know
this man, you might swing past Bo
Jangles and pick up a snack for him
- he is mighty hungry about now.

NEW AND ALMOST

The Noodle Factory just opened
across from Foster's West End and
features...guess what? Noodles and
sushi and much needed things like
that. Find it and try it before they
are sold out.
Someone is calling them CIA
Chefs and we don't know if that
means what it sounds like or not???
Anyway, one is called Carl, and he
is responsible for opening the Back-
Room restaurant in Coxen Hole,
then the View on the Ridge, then
Taty in La Ceiba and now returns to
open again to the East of The View.
Welcome back, traveling CIA Chef
Carl. We are watching you and we
hope you are not watching us.

The New Year presents the
Latin American region with a
continued opportunity to settle the
longstanding political and security
issues that have destabilized the
southern portion of the western
hemisphere. Political stability in
Bolivia is at stake, the continued
presence of Hugo Chavez as leader
of Venezuela hangs in the balance,
Nicaragua's election crisis persists
to foment violence, the Colombian
insurgency still holds a size-able
number of hostages, Chile, Ecuador,
El Salvador and Honduras will be
holding presidential elections; these
multiple concerns are compounded
with looming fears over the effects
of the global financial crisis on the
subcontinent.
Venezuelan President Hugo
Chavez is moving forward with his
government's initiative to call for
a referendum ending presidential,
gubernatorial and legislative term
limits, altering the 1999 constitution
to legalize unlimited reelections in
the country. This new attempt to
extend his presidential mandate
comes after the failure of Chavez's
December 2007 gamble to change
the Venezuelan constitution.
If able to pull it off this time
around, Chavez and his supporters
of the United Socialist Party of
Venezuela will likely be able to
secure their positions in power past
the 2012 elections and continue to
strengthen their political influence
throughout the region. Economic
concerns will also require the
government's attention as infla-
tion continues to skyrocket and oil
prices decline; further reductions
in petroleum revenue will threaten
the country's international project

for regional political dominance.
Bolivia's socialist government
has managed to maintain a rela-
tive peace, after five state prefec-
tures attempted to defect from the
central government in La Paz in
2008, fomenting violent demon-
strations throughout the country.
An UNASUR lead diplomatic
effort was able to affect a stand-
still between the parties, creating
a nebulous status quo that halted
major acts of violence, but left key
issues of state political autonomy
unresolved and the opposition's
objections to the new constitution
approved by the MAS (Movement
Toward Socialism) controlled
Constitutional Assembly. With
elections scheduled for January 25,
President Morales' MAS govern-
ment must ensure secure conditions
for the vote, as the possibility of
a resumption of violence becomes
much more probable.
The administration's vice-presi-
dent has warned that opposition
prefectures are preparing plans to
attack the central government polit-
ically and on the streets. Bolivia's
new constitutional project is likely
to be approved by a majority of citi-
zens, but Evo Morales's victory may
be short lived, as the five Bolivian
dissenter states have threatened
to hold referendums on autonomy if
the constitution is approved.
The Sandinista regime of
Nicaragua continues to reel after
the fractious December elections,
which demonstrated widespread
abuses of authority, corruption and
electoral fraud. Mobs continue to
run the streets, manifesting their
self-acknowledged impunity by
laying siege on the capital at any
moment.
Demonstrations by the second
largest political force in the country,

Liberal Constitutionalist Party
(LCP), are routinely overrun by
Sandinista street-gangs, resulting
in reported fatalities. President
Daniel Ortega, struggling with one
of the lowest approval ratings in
Latin America, has the herculean
task of either bringing an end to
the bloody public demonstrations
by negotiating with the LCP an
impartial, monitored recount of
contested votes or continuing to
use the state's security services and
Sandinista activists to terminate
all public protest. The Nicaraguan
National Assembly and Supreme
Court are controlled by a polit-
ical alliance between the Arnoldo
Aleman wing of the LCP and
the Sandinistas, a rupture of this
compact could lead to tense battles
in the congress, ending Ortega's
hold over national legislative proj-
ects.
Colombia's President Alvaro
Uribe has laid the stakes of his
presidency on his controversial
Democratic Security doctrine;
in 2008 the Colombian army
destroyed or displaced almost half
of the membership of the coun-
try's most vicious insurgent outfit,
Revolutionary Armed Forces of
Colombia (FARC), imprisoning or
eliminating the narco-guerrilla's
chief commanders, and eviscerating
their command and control and
communication structures.
FARC continues to have signifi-
cant manpower, estimates range
from 8, 000 to 12, 000, and holds
thousands of hostages under their
control (most hostages being ordi-
nary civilians held for ransom).
The narco-insurgents have initi-
ated the process for a unilateral
hostage release of two Colombian
politicians and five members of
the security services. Colombia's

government, the International Red
Cross and Senator Piedad Cordoba,
a controversial FARC sympathizer,
are in the process of negotiating the
hostages' release. FARC might be
down, but it is not out: their moun-
tain guerrilla forces have shot down
an unmanned Colombian drone, a
show of force by the narco-insur-
gents indicating their war is not
over.
Elections in Latin America have
become a game of expectations
for the international community,
waiting to watch which country is
the next to go 'red.'
Ecuador's upcoming general
election on April 26, after the
approval of the new constitution,
will likely see continuity for the

administration of President Correa.
El Salvador's ides of March elec-
tion is particularly ominous for
moderate political circles, as the
Faribundo Marti Front, a former
terrorist organization turned
political party, is poised to win by
a significant margin, moving the
Central American region deeper
into the Venezuelan sphere of influ-
ence. Honduras's November elec-
tions will determine whether the
nation will continue to veer to the
political left.
Latin America's political and
security conflicts are mostly left
over from 2008, unresolved crises
in waiting for the will and resolve
to map a secure and stable course
for the region's democracies.

For Rent
1 and 2 bedroom apartment for rent(semi-
furnished) located at Fort Saphery Hotel and
Restaurant in West End-Roatan. Maid service
included,1 small pet OK, Couples or room-
mate OK.
Complex is located on the beach and is avail-
able for immediate occupancy. Price: $600.00
per month (water and light included) Call
Olin at Phones: (504) 445-4213, 445-0256, for
additional information.E-mail: olinsaphrey@
aol.com

Houses For Rent
Colonia San Ignacio
Located in an exclusive closed neighbor-
hood, very secure, nice environment, three
bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, studio, din-
ing room, living room, kitchen has dish
washer, oven installed in wall. The house
has a garage for two vehicles, garden and
terrace. Price $1,500.00

New Townhouse located in an exclusive
closed neighborhood. House has three
bedrooms, three bathrooms, dining
room, living room, kitchen, small gar-
den. Furnished: $1,300 or Unfurnished:
$1,000.
Large House, five bedrooms, four bath-
rooms, dining room, living room, kitch-
en, studio and garage for two vehicles.
Price:$1,300.00

For Sale
Copan Ruinas, Property for Sale, apprx 2
acres, one of few large properties available
within village boundaries, view of village
and valley, mature trees, water, elect, tele-
phone access, street access, located on
road to Macaw Mtn Tropical Bird Park, 5
minutes to center of village,
casacafe@hondutel.hn
casadecafe@mayanet.hn

Coffe Farm in Olancho
Mountain property 20 kilometers from San
Francisco de la Paz, area of 220 acres,
43 with high altitude coffe plantation,
103 acres with pastures and the rest with
forest.
Assume laon with bank of $30,000 pay-
able in five years at 10% per year and
the rest in cash to make a total price of
US $90,000.
See pictures at www.coffeefarm.
synthasite.com If interested please
call at (504) 9952-7504 or
e-mail: srpenergy@yahoo.com

African Palm Farm in North Coast
of Honduras
90+/- acres of flat land, 60+/- acres with
African palm in production, good pasture,
it borders a big lagoon (Lagunas Los Micos),
1 house for employee, with solar electric,
community water, 2 big fish ponds, close to
the African palm factory in San Alejo, good
investment and a good place to relax and
make money. Price $350,000.00. Call for
more information at
863-673-0955; 863-265-0366 (USA) or
321-574-2678
(Honduras) (504) 9699-8119 or e-mail:
southdixie@embarqmail.com
Santa Lucia: Just 20 minutes from Tegus
on the road to Valley of Angles, live in a
near prefect climate year round day time
high temps 70 with very low humidity.
This is a small, friendly, and safe place to
live.
This property is approximately 3 acres with
one large house, 3 apartments and one
small house. There is plenty of parking
space for cars. In total there are 15 bed-
rooms 9 bath rooms 5 kitchens and one
stroage building with bathroom.
The large house has 6 bedrooms and
4 bathrooms large living room, fireplace
with high ceilings. Large kitchen and a
huge covered patio overlooking Tegus. The
apartments are 1- 3 bedroom 2 bath and
2 -2 bedroom 1 bath, there is also a small
house with 2 bedroom and 1 bath. All
buildings are in good condition ready to
move in. there is city water and we also
have a 20,000 water storage facility.
There are 18 building lots in addition to
the housesand apartmentsthat have been
platted and surveyed. All lots have fantastic
views of the city.
This is a great property for developers,
church retreat or mission compound.
Great buy at $499,000 the lots alone are
worth the entire price. Call George US.#
336-506-7503 cell 321-624-3894 hondu-
ras call Lucio 3354-9657.

For Sale by Owner
Located in Siguatepeque, Honduras
Central America 1 2 manzanas, a mod-
ern, beautiful home that has approx.
2,500 sq. ft. in it, has fabulous view of
mountains from porch and patio, spring
like weather all year long, bananas,
coffee, oranges, various fruits, flowers.
Very beautiful and secure area.
Will sell home with all or part of the
property. The price starts at $170,000
for just house with the 110 ft x 110 ft
walled in area around the house and
flower garden, and designated prop-
erty outside the wall or $300,000.00
for all. Price negotiable. Only serious
buyers need to call or email.
maryronhonduras@yahoo.com or
call: 011-504-9666-1885

For Sale in Copan Ruinas
1.6 acre Oasis. 2 story Villa, guest cottage,
carport and enclosed garage/bodega.
Most beautifully landscaped vista proper-
ty in town. All Services. Full title. No liens.
A must see
e-mail: stepstocopan@yahoo.com
Internet site:
http://realestate.escapeartist.com/P-29327

For Sale
Beautiful 3,500 sq. ft. beachfront. Fenced
lot in Santa Fe, 25 min west of Trujillo. Lot
is close to the beautiful blue waters of the
Caribbean. It has electric and water avail-
able. The price is right! Only $18,000 U.S.
It is close to a quiet little village of Santa Fe
and lovely mountain views.
Don't missthis opportunityto own a"piece
of paradise. For this proce!
Please contact

Looking for a North American for coffee
and talk in downtown Tegucigalpa,
call Ron Logan, Telephone: 207-7255.
I am looking for a property to buy in the El Hatillo
area orValle De Angeles. I want at
least one acre or one manzana in these areas. I
prefer the land to be flat.
My number is:(512)280-4330
E.U. or 239-3654 (teguz).
E-mail mvivi@email.com

Main Floor
Garage with electric gate and visual intercommunication,
dining room, living room, kitchen includes storage room
and breakfast area, studio, bathroom, small storage room,
terrace to patio, laundry area and service room.
Second Floor Main bedroom including walking closet and
balcony, spacious bathroom with bathtub,
two more bedrooms with
bathrooms.
Also Internet connections and
telephone line. Telephone
number installed electric fence, I-
safe alarm, water heater and
cistern.
Very safe and peaceful place to
live. $1,150.00